Award-winning food photographer Elisa De Cecchi
Published May 10, 2022 by MPB
Fighting off competition from entries around the world, Elisa De Cecchi won Food Photographer of the Year 2022—in the MPB Food Influencer category—for her stunning image Draining Pasta By The Window. We caught up with Elisa to find out more about the winning image, her kit choices and advice for aspiring food photographers. Over to you, Elisa.
MPB: Congratulations on winning the MPB Food Influencer category! How does it feel?
EDC: Thank you so much, I feel truly humbled to be amongst the most talented photographers out there. This was totally unexpected and for me, as a non-professional photographer, perhaps the recognition I needed to keep pursuing a career as a food photographer. I am totally chuffed—and also a bit proud!—for what I have achieved in the past couple of years. Definitely, a dream come true!
MPB: Could you tell us more about the winning image? Where and when was it taken? What kit did you use?
EDC: I created this scene as part of a challenge to capture steam. I tried to capture the typical scene from Italian everyday cooking—the moisture filling the air in the kitchen, the condensation forming on the window and droplets sliding down the glass. I shot this in my home studio on a very gloomy morning, taking advantage of the naturally diffused light coming from the only window in the room. Being a self-portrait, I had to meticulously find the right angle to best capture the steam and the condensation on the glass in the foreground. And, of course, to keep the focus on that golden spaghetti, which I wanted to be the only pop of color in an otherwise monochromatic frame. I used a small reflector to bounce light back onto the pot and the steam, which was pretty hard to capture in such low-light conditions. Shot with a Sony A6000 fitted with a 35mm f/1.8 lens on a Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 tripod and 10-second timer.
MPB: Could you tell us a bit more about your creative background?
EDC: I am an architect, so my everyday life revolves around art and design. Although I have no photography background, I guess my eyes are somehow trained to aesthetically-pleasing color combinations, lines and perspectives—or, at least, I hope that is the case! My siblings are all very creative and have done art or photography studies, so growing up in such a stimulating environment definitely helped.
MPB: What advice would you have for our audience for capturing stunning food photography like yours?
EDC: I believe understanding light and how to manipulate it is key. I only shoot with natural light, so I am forever inspired by the light and how it brings so much life into visual stories. Observe how the light hits the scene and place the hero you want to capture in the best position so the food can shine—backlight, sidelight, just play with it as much as you can! Another piece of advice I can give is to try to incorporate human elements into your scenes. It adds so much interest and richness to the story you want to tell, whilst making it more relatable.
MPB: Could you talk us through your creative process? How do you choose which food to shoot for example?
EDC: I used to live in the Venetian countryside, not far from my parent's farm. Home-grown produce and nature’s gifts have always been my biggest inspiration. I would collect some vegetables from the veggie garden, imperfect and therefore more interesting, some wildflowers and herbs from my walks in the woods and would cook and capture something inspired by the country lifestyle. I always use seasonal ingredients that have an attractive color or shape or help me tell a story. Then I build a scene around it. I would get inspired by a fabric pattern, a piece of furniture sitting in the farm’s attic or an old frame. My images aren’t technically perfect, but I focus on creating evocative and powerful storytelling by incorporating pieces with history and layers in my frames, a homage to my family roots and heritage.
MPB: What is in your kit bag? Any pieces of camera kit you can’t leave the house without?
EDC: I own a mirrorless Sony camera, and I predominantly use a 35mm prime lens, so that’s definitely something I carry everywhere I go. I also have a 24-70mm f/2.8 GM zoom lens, which I use in flat lays to have more field. Lastly, I couldn’t survive without my Vanguard tripod, not top of the range but sturdy enough. Absolutely necessary if you, like me, enjoy capturing action shots and blurred movements.
MPB: Part of the prize for winning the category is a voucher to spend at MPB. Is there anything, in particular, you have your eyes on? And why?
EDC: I am so grateful and excited. A macro lens! I have always wanted to get one, as I truly believe beauty is in the details. The level of detail a macro lens can achieve is so inspiring and can open up a whole new world.
MPB: What is your favorite food to shoot and why?
EDC: I used to almost exclusively shoot cakes and sweet treats. But fresh produce, with its colors and inspiring details, has definitely become a preferred choice. I am constantly in awe of nature’s masterpieces. My absolute favorites might be fresh tomatoes and all leafy citrus. Just think about how amazing is the ever-changing color of blood oranges and the way they reflect light!
MPB: What advice would you have for photographers out there looking to make it in the industry? What lessons have you learnt along the way?
EDC: I haven’t made it in the industry as yet myself, but the advice I feel like giving is to be true to yourself and your style. This doesn’t mean giving up on experimenting or shooting only dark and moody rather than bright and airy. Just explore both worlds with your own eyes and vision, someone out there is looking for you and the way you see things, regardless of the equipment you own or the experience you have. Challenges are uncomfortable and scary but are necessary for your own growth and to boost your confidence. Plus, they can be very rewarding! If I can do it, anyone can.
MPB: What’s next for you? Any projects you’d like to share with us?
EDC: I have just moved back to Australia with my husband and our two little girls, after spending almost three years in Italy with our families. Unfortunately, I had to give up on some exciting projects I was working on. So, at the moment, I don’t have anything planned. However, I do hope the new environment and its challenges are going to inspire my work, spark my creativity and bring a lot of stimulating new projects.
Want to learn more about food photography? Read the top advice for food photography — and other tips and techniques and interviews on the MPB Content Hub.